Towards Zero (Agatha Christie and Gerald Verner)

Arguably the best known adaptation of Agatha Christie’s novel, Towards Zero, was that of prolific writer, Gerald Verner, in 1956. However, a few years ago, it was discovered that Agatha Christie had in fact written her own stage adaptation of the novel which was commissioned by the Shuberts in 1944 and we present both plays as part of The Collection.

Both versions of the text follow a similar narrative pattern. The events of both plays explore how the characters, through their various interactions move towards a ‘zero hour’ of murder. Both explore the idea that murder shouldn’t be the beginning of a story but the end.

However, there are some important distinctions between the texts. Christie’s adaptation is a three-act, five-scene drama set over eight days with thirteen actors whilst Verner’s version is again three acts but with six scenes set over seven days involving eleven actors. Moreover, the setting is different; Christie’s is set open air on the terrace of Lady Tressilian’s house whereas Verner’s takes a more familiar path and is set in the drawing room.

Both plays contain a familiar core group of characters however there are some important roles that differ. Angus McWhirter is perhaps the most important character missing from Verner’s text but makes a very significant contribution to Christie’s original. His interactions with Audrey are perhaps the most profound of the play – allowing Christie to explore thematically the notions of mortality, suicide, depression and even redemption. In place of McWhirter, Verner employs the shrewd and insightful Mathew Treves, a lawyer who is now house guest and confidant to Lady Tressilian. Verner also uses the well-known and notable Superintendent Battle to lead the murder investigation.

By all accounts Christie’s adaptation is a more ambitious and dramatic piece of writing however Verner’s play is structurally strong and provides a faithful and well realised adaptation of Christie’s original novel.